Sunday's letters: The Earth is not cooling

Sunday

Sep 29, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Your headline on your lead article in the Sept. 20 edition of the Herald-Journal regarding global warming was, regrettably, quite misleading in suggesting that the Earth’s surface is cooling. The Earth’s surface continues to grow warmer even at perhaps a slower rate.

Your headline on your lead article in the Sept. 20 edition of the Herald-Journal regarding global warming was, regrettably, quite misleading in suggesting that the Earth’s surface is cooling. The Earth’s surface continues to grow warmer even at perhaps a slower rate.The content of the article was more accurate in describing the slowing rate of heating and factors such as the interval for comparison of the surface temperatures on the study outcome.This letter is written on behalf of Rabbi Yossi Leibowitz, the Rev. Ron Robinson and myself in affiliation with Spartanburg Green Congregations (SGC). SGC is an organization of faith communities that has formed locally to address concerns about how we care for the creation.We are affiliated with South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light, which is part of a nationwide effort with 41 state chapters devoted to protecting the Earth’s ecosystems, safeguarding the health of all creation, and ensuring sufficient, sustainable energy for all.SGC was organized in January and encourages faith communities to utilize opportunities to articulate the religious and theological reasons for caring for creation.We promote initiatives related to our mission, including:-- Sponsorship of the movie “Trashed” with Jeremy Irons at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Barrett Room at the Spartanburg County Public Library.-- Support of the pharmaceutical take-back program on Oct. 26.-- Energy audits by local congregations to identify conservation opportunities in facilities.

Your coverage of the recent discovery of PCBs in various systems has been noted and appreciated. Your Sept. 24 article regarding substances in the environment affecting pregnancy was timely. Please continue reporting on environmental issues. Accuracy is needed so that we can move beyond hyperbole and know the facts and truth related to issues. Your role is important to our community.Dr. John W. SimmonsChairman, Spartanburg Green Congregations

I had dinner out with my sons ruined by a loud-mouthed religious zealot. This blabbermouth rambled on and on during the entire meal about his interpretation of Jesus. His volume, tone and content were disturbing, to say the least. How many diners felt compelled to submit to his ruminations — or likewise, how many fought the temptation to whack him upside the head?I recently read the misguided and self-aggrandizing lunacy spouting from a freshman senator from Texas. This guy is a tea party favorite, but not one of mine. Perhaps he and the public preacher should share lunch sometime.There are at least two major character flaws inherent in these individuals. Those would be a lack of discipline and a lack of awareness. I could throw in there a lack of class, but that truth should be self-evident.What the world sorely needs is moderation. Exactly what is the allure of extremism? What particular mindset does hyperbole resonate well with? I believe anyone who harbors extreme beliefs is to be avoided and the panderers are to be feared. Thank goodness sane people maintain the middle ground while the extremists monopolize the fringes.

James LawsonPauline

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.